Effects of an individualized home-based unsupervised aerobic training on body composition and physiological parameters in obese adults are independent of gender

Abstract

PurposeEvaluation of the effects of an individualized home-based unsupervised aerobic training on body composition, physical and physiological parameters in female and male obese adults.MethodsTwo hundred and twenty obese adults (age 47.9 ± 12.4 years; BMI 38.0 ± 7.2 kg/m2) entered the 4-month training program. Body composition, physiological and functional capacities were assessed pre- and post-intervention. All subjects were requested to perform unsupervised aerobic training with the intensity based on heart rate, walking speed and OMNI-RPE score corresponding to the individual ventilatory threshold for at least 5 days/week.ResultsAfter 4-month study period, 40% of patients completed the protocol, 24% had high compliance (HC) (exercise ≥ 3 days/week), while 16% had low compliance (LC) to exercise prescription (exercise < than 3 days/week). In HC group, a significant improvement of body composition variables after training was performed. Moreover, oxygen uptake and metabolic equivalent at peak significantly increased after training. Six-minute walking test (6MWT) distance significantly increased while heart rate during 6MWT was significantly lower after training. No significant differences were found in LC group between pre- and post-intervention in all variables. Interestingly, gender does not influence the effects of training.ConclusionsOur results indicate that subjects, independent of gender, with high compliance to the aerobic training based on a new individualized method can achieve a significant reduction in weight loss and also an improvement in physical and physiological parameters. This innovative personalized prescription could be a valuable tool for exercise physiologist, endocrinologists, and nutritionists to approach and correct life style of obese subjects.

Prediction equation to estimate heart rate at individual ventilatory threshold in female and male obese adults

“…The importance of training in obese subjects based upon the individual characteristics is well documented [ 13 , 25 , 28 ]. In fact, assessment of physiological capacity in obese subjects can allow to an individualized weight loss program based on individualized diet and physical activity.…”

“…The continuous graded incremental treadmill test was conducted as described in our previous published study [ 13 ]. In details, the incremental test started at 3 km/h.…”

“…Previous studies demonstrate that exercise intensity based upon IVT may lead to a reduction of body weight, resulting in an increase of physical performance in obese population [ 13 – 16 ].…”

“…Therefore, it would be very interesting to use a field test, which does not require expensive device, to evaluate functional status and to provide information regarding the optimal exercise intensity that obese adults should use to maximize the positive effects of PA. In particular, six-minute walking test (6-MWT) [ 17 ] has been used to estimate physical capacities in obese individuals [ 13 , 17 ]. In fact, the 6-MWT is a practical field test habitually used to assess walking capacity, and its results are highly correlated with cardiovascular tests [ 17 ].…”

Effects of Acute Whole-Body Vibration Practice on Maximal Fat Oxidation in Adult Obese Males: A Pilot Study

“…Indeed, it is well known that regular physical activity (PA) and a balanced diet are an important strategy for body weight balance and weight control. In particular, regular individualized PA and diet have been shown to increase cardiocirculatory fitness, body composition, and quality of life [3,4]. Despite these positive effects, obese subjects are inclined to be sedentary, and the high dropout rate after a period of aerobic training confirms that these subjects are not willing to be included in regular exercise programs [4].…”